Look for DD's coatings and color technologies business to begin to recover in 2010, on the U.S./global recoveries. However, DD's pharmaceuticals unit will face a tougher 2010, due to patent expirations. The First Call FY2009/FY2010 EPS estimates for DD are $2.01 to $2.22.
Why the Hold rating? Valuation. Until the pharmaceuticals division shows signs of increased earnings and emerging market food demand accelerates - something that would increase DD's sales of seeds - DD's shares look slightly rich at $33. In a few months, I've re-evaluate DuPont's performance and stock valuation.

Technically, DuPont's stock chart has formed a short-term double top, which could turn into a head-and-shoulders top – each of which is a bearish signal.

Finally, the Sell/Stop Loss has been raised to $28, or to just above cost, to protect against any retrenchment in the shares.